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Gloucester memorably kept Leicester at bay for almost 10 minutes in the second half when they were down to 13 players after scrum-half Jimmy Cowan and full-back Rob Cook had been yellow carded.

"I am really delighted with the overall performance today. We showed great determination in the second half, but we also played some great rugby at times," Davies said. "When we were down to 13 players the momentum of the game swung and it was always going to be difficult, but the determination and effort the boys showed was unbelievable."

He added: "We have a lot of confidence and belief and that was a fabulous win for us on what was a fabulous Kingsholm occasion. The supporters here are hungry for success, like we all are, and when you can put in a performance and beat a top side like Leicester then that it is hugely positive."

Burns made a mockery of his exclusion from England's autumn Test squad with an impressive performance.

The Gloucester playmaker outshone opposite number Toby Flood - England's current number 10 - through a 17-point haul that included a superb solo try.

The Tigers collected a penalty try when Gloucester were down to 13, while Flood kicked 11 points and wing Scott Hamilton claimed an early touchdown, yet Gloucester deservedly triumphed through tries from Burns, wing Charlie Sharples and magnificent flanker Akapusi Qera.

Davies added: "Freddie is developing all the time. He's got some great touches. His leadership qualities in and around the group are impressive - he wants responsibility."

Leicester rugby director Richard Cockerill said: "It was a great game of rugby. We got ourselves back into it and put them under huge pressure, but I don't know how many times you have to get penalised two metres from your line before people go to the sin-bin, which was frustrating.

"If you were killing a ruck three times on the trot you would be in the bin; if it was a scrum you would be in the bin. There were some pretty tough calls. But look, we made mistakes ourselves at times and it was a classic game of rugby. Fair play to Gloucester, they played some good stuff."